Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Enhancing Yield and Economic Return of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) Production under South Gujarat Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Horticulture Polytechnic Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the yield and economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.). The study evaluated twelve treatment combinations involving three nitrogen levels (80, 100, and 120 kg N ha⁻¹), two organic nutrient sources (vermicompost and castor cake at 25 kg N ha⁻¹), and two levels of Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (No spray and 1.5% spray). The experiment followed a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. Results indicated that the highest cob yields, both with and without husk, were consistently recorded under the integrated treatment of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ + castor cake + 1.5% Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (N₃O₂L₂). This combination significantly enhanced yield components and physiological efficiency compared to other treatments. Economically, treatments with 120 kg N ha⁻¹ + vermicompost (with and without NOVEL) resulted in the highest net income and benefit-cost ratios. The findings suggest that integrating higher nitrogen levels with castor cake and liquid organic nutrients can improve yield, profitability, and sustainability of baby corn cultivation under South Gujarat conditions.